South Sudan players sing national anthem during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match between South Sudan and Sudan at Juba Stadium in Juba, South Sudan on 11 June 2024 ©BackpagePix
Friday Mar 27, 2026. 12:46
Two winners have emerged from the three fixtures that have taken place so far in preliminary qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The continent’s lowest ranked teams are in the process of battling it out over two legs for limited spots in AFCON qualifying.
With the action beginning on Wednesday, Eritrea claimed a 2-0 win over Eswatini at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknès, Morocco, in the first fixture of their two-legged tie.
Goals from Ablelom Teklezgi in the 81st minute and Ali Sulieman Ibrahim in second half stoppage time sealed a late win for the Red Sea Camels. They take a valuable advantage into the second leg at the Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba, Eswatini, which will be played on Tuesday.
In Thursday’s action, South Sudan demolished Djibouti 4-0 behind closed doors at the Juba Stadium in Juba, South Sudan, while Lesotho and the Seychelles played out a goalless draw at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Teng Kuol, Bangasi Justin, Peter Maker and Keer Mangar each netted for the Bright Stars, ensuring a tough way back for Djibouti. The second leg will be played on Sunday, also at the Juba Stadium, without any crowd.
Lesotho and the Seychelles will meet again at the Toyota Stadium on Sunday, with everything still to play for.
Friday brings a further three fixtures into the spotlight with Chad facing Burundi, Somalia facing Mauritius, and São Tomé and Príncipe clashing with Ethiopia in the first legs of their respective ties.